Recognizing Leaders Who Power Digital Inclusion – Connected Banking Awards Ethiopia 2025

The 23rd Edition Connected Banking Summit – Innovation & Excellence Awards 2025 spotlighted Ethiopia’s leading banks and financial institutions, honoring those redefining the future of finance through digital transformation, innovation, customer excellence, and visionary leadership.

Highlights of the Awards Night
Bank of the Year – Commercial Bank of Ethiopia
 Honoured for its outstanding leadership, transformative vision, and pioneering digital initiatives, Commercial Bank of Ethiopia continues to set the gold standard in the nation’s banking sector.

Excellence in Retail Banking – Awash Bank
 Recognized for empowering retail customers with innovative solutions and customer-focused services that redefine retail banking in Ethiopia.

Excellence in Digital Banking – Dashen Bank
 Awarded for its leadership in digital transformation, delivering seamless and secure digital platforms and payment solutions.

Excellence in Digital Transformation – Berhan Bank
 Celebrated for revolutionizing financial services through strategic digital innovation and customer-first platforms.

Excellence in Innovation – Bank of Abyssinia
 Acknowledged for pioneering new ideas, cutting-edge technologies, and innovative financial products that reshape the sector.

Excellence in Growth Strategy – NIB International Bank
 Recognized for sustainable expansion driven by visionary planning, market adaptability, and forward-thinking solutions.

Excellence in Customer Experience – Hibret Bank
 Awarded for setting benchmarks in service excellence and delivering personalized, seamless customer journeys.

Excellence in Service Delivery – Wegagen Bank
 Celebrated for operational efficiency, reliability, and customer-focused service quality.

Excellence in Private Banking – Zemen Bank
 Honoured for its bespoke solutions, expertise, and dedication to premium client services.

Excellence in Regional Banking – Cooperative Bank of Oromia
 Recognized for advancing financial inclusion and delivering tailored banking solutions across Ethiopia’s regions.

Excellence in Women Empowerment – Enat Bank
 Awarded for championing gender equality, supporting women entrepreneurs, and empowering female leadership.

Excellence in Financial Inclusion – Abay Bank
 Celebrated for driving access to financial services for unbanked and underserved communities nationwide.

Excellence as an Emerging Bank – Shabelle Bank
 Recognized for its rapid growth, innovation, and bold entry into Ethiopia’s dynamic financial sector.

Excellence as a Rising Mid-Sized Bank – Bunna International Bank
 Honoured for remarkable growth, agility, and customer-focused strategies that define mid-sized banking success.

Excellence as an Emerging Digital Bank – Debub Global Bank
 Awarded for harnessing digital innovation to deliver secure, seamless, and accessible financial services.

Excellence in Inclusive Banking – Siinqee Bank
 Celebrated for ensuring accessible, equitable, and community-driven banking for all Ethiopians.

Excellence as a Promising New Entrant – Tsedey Bank
 Recognized for its bold debut in the financial sector with forward-looking leadership and customer-focused innovation.

Individual Leadership Awards

• CEO of the Year – Abie Sano
• CISO of the Year – Seyoum Damtew

Both leaders were honoured for their visionary leadership, strategic foresight, and lasting contributions to Ethiopia’s financial sector.

Shaping the Future of Finance
The Connected Banking Awards Ethiopia 2025 underscored the country’s rapid progress in digital transformation, financial inclusion, and service innovation. The event celebrated institutions and individuals who continue to shape a smarter, more secure and inclusive financial ecosystem.

Stay tuned for more highlights from the Connected Banking Summit, where banking and fintech excellence takes centre stage!!!!!!!!!!!